KUALA LUMPUR: The King and Queen received a heartfelt welcome from centenarian Kamala Das when the royal couple called at her home in Ampang today.
Kamala, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday, got up to greet the royal couple and welcomed them with open arms.
Kamala said the visit by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, and Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, was the icing on the cake.
It also left her humbled that a simple person like her would be graced by royalty.
“This morning my daughter told me, ‘Mummy, somebody is going to come and see you”. I asked who was going to come and see an old person like me.
“My daughter then said the King and Queen were coming. I was surprised. I’ve (only) seen them in pictures,” she told FMT excitedly.
Upon their arrival, the King and Queen were also warmly welcomed by Kamala’s 11 children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The King and Queen exchanged pleasantries with each member before sitting next to Kamala.
Kamala, who could not hide her joy, told them how much their visit meant to her and that she never expected such a wonderful gift for her 100th birthday.
“I am very happy and feeling overwhelmed. Thank you so much for coming,” she said, with tears in her eyes.
The Queen then embraced Kamala saying she could only hope to live as long and fruitful a life as Kamala.
Asked what Kamala’s secret to a long life was, she told the Queen it was her children’s care and support that got her this far.
“In other words, the secret is to control your children,” the Queen quipped, as the room erupted in laughter.
Sultan Abdullah said it was an honour to wish Kamala in person. “I can only pray for everyone to reach her age. I hope to reach 100 years old too,” he said.
Kamala’s eldest and youngest children, Evelyn Das and Raymonde Das said they were wonderfully surprised by how humble the King and Queen were.
“It is very rare for royals to be so down-to-earth. They were wonderful,” said Evelyn.
Yesterday, the King and Queen sent birthday greetings to Kamala, whose story of love and sacrifice captivated many.
Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah are the first Malaysian royal couple to proffer formal birthday wishes to a commoner who has reached the age of 100 years.
Kamala’s birthday coincides with the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on June 5.
Before taking their leave, Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah presented Kamala with a box of gifts to celebrate her birthday. - FMT
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